Best Horseback Trail Riding in Northeast Florida

Jennings State Forrest
featuring horseback riding trails that can be found in northeast
Florida and covers areas in both Clay and Duval counties. The 24,000
acre forest features 15 different natural biological communities, each
with unique plants, animals, and physical characteristics. This results
in an abundance of wildlife residing in the forest. Horse riding trails
and trail heads are indicated on the Map

Jacksonville-Baldwin Trailis
an equestrian horse trail that starts about 5 miles from downtown
Jacksonville. Horse and mountain biking trails continue being developed
as part of the corridor. Contact the City of Jacksonville for the
latest status on these recreational opportunities. Map

Amelia Island State Park
is on Amelia Island near Jacksonville, Florida. The park protects over
200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia
Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests
provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida.

Bayard Conservation AreaThis
conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St.
Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Featuring
equestrian horse trails, the conservation area runs along the western
bank of the St. Johns River, east of U.S. 17, south of State Road (SR)
16 in Clay County, just southeast of Green Cove Springs and 12 miles
south of Jacksonville. Equestrian trail heads may be found on the Map

Black Creek Ravines Conservation AreaIn
Clay County, about one mile east of Middleburg, along the south bank of
Black Creek. This tract consists primarily of natural woodlands and
wetlands. Horseback riding is allowed on many conservation areas on
equestrian horse trails in designated areas and established roads and
fire lines, except where restricted by signs. Check area maps for horse
riding opportunities. Map

Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
Six miles south of Palatka in Putnam County, bounded on the east by the
St. Johns River and on the south by the Ocklawaha River. The area is
located at the confluence of the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers. The
area helps the restoration of these two major rivers and protects
threatened and endangered species. The management area is a large,
diverse tract which connects the Cross Florida Greenway with the Ocala
National Forest. Equestrian horse trails are available in designated
areas. Check area maps for horse riding opportunities. Map

Cary State Forest
is located in northeastern Florida near Jacksonville in Nassau and Duval
Counties. Horseback riding is a popular activity on the forest and is
allowed on all open forest roads as well as two designated eight mile
horse riding trail. The 12 mile Fireline Trail and Red Root Trail takes
horse riders through many different forest ecosystems which include:
mature longleaf pine stands, immature slash pine stands and basin
swamps.

Dunns Creek Conservation Area
Situated on the east side of Dunns Creek, west of State Road (SR) 100
and east of U.S. 17, at the north end of Crescent Lake, approximately
eight miles south of Palatka in Putnam County. The majority of the area
is floodplain swamp and hydric hammock, which protects about five miles
of shoreline on Dunns Creek. Pine flatwoods and upland mixed forests
with small strand swamps and dome swamps are interspersed. Equestrian
horse trails are available. See the map for horse riding trail heads. Map

Newnans Lake Conservation Area (North Tract)Equestrian horse riding
trails in the St. Johns River Management District near Palatka,
Florida. This area encompasses nearly two miles of Newmans Lake
shoreline and parts of its two major tributaries — Hatchet Creek and
Little Hatchet Creek — protecting a large area of floodplain wetlands.
The conservation area also includes numerous isolated wetlands such as
depression marshes, dome swamps and a large basin swamp known locally
as Gum Root Swamp. Horse riding is allowed on many conservation areas
on trails in designated areas and established roads and fire lines,
except where restricted by signs. Check area maps for horse riding
opportunities.

Guana River Wildlife Management Area
Located midway between fast-growing Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
Horse riding is permitted on most named and numbered roads, established
trails and fire lanes. Horse riding is prohibited during archery,
muzzle loading gun, general gun, small game and spring turkey seasons.
Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a riding helmet when
riding on public lands. All horseback riders must have proof of current
negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. Map

Welaka State Forrest
Welaka State Forest is located in northeastern Florida, approximately
17 miles south of Palatka, off of U.S. Highway 17. The forest is on
State Road 309, 1 mile south of the town of Welaka. The Sandhill Horse
Trail was established for equestrian use as well as hiking. All horses
must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results when on state
lands. Welaka State Forest also manages a 72-horse STABLE, TRAINING
ARENAS and SHOW HORSE ARENA, which are all available for rental. Pets
are not allowed in the horse facility area or dorms.